Ohio State Buckeyes, Head Coach Ryan Day Aggressively Pursuing Elite Five-Star 2028 Quarterback Recruit Amid National Recruiting Battle

The Ohio State Buckeyes are once again diving into the national spotlight on the recruiting trail, this time targeting an elite quarterback from the Class of 2028. Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has cemented itself as a perennial powerhouse not only on the field but also in recruiting, especially when it comes to elite quarterbacks. Day, a former quarterback himself and one of the nation’s most respected offensive minds, is taking a proactive approach in recruiting a high-profile signal-caller who is already turning heads across the country—even before he’s taken a high school snap as an upperclassman.

In today’s era of early commitments and fast-paced recruiting, Day and the Ohio State staff are wasting no time in making their intentions known to one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2028 class. The identity of the quarterback has yet to be formally revealed to the public due to NCAA restrictions on discussing underclassmen in detail, but reports suggest this prospect is already drawing comparisons to past five-star talents like Quinn Ewers and Justin Fields—both of whom either committed to or starred for the Buckeyes.

This aggressive pursuit underscores Ohio State’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve. With the increasing competitiveness of recruiting due to the transfer portal, NIL opportunities, and the national reach of social media, programs like Ohio State are adapting by identifying and building relationships with elite prospects at younger and younger ages. For Ryan Day, it’s not just about finding talent—it’s about finding the right fit for the Buckeyes’ high-octane offense, which has become synonymous with explosive plays, high draft picks, and national championship contention.

Day has built a quarterback-friendly system that consistently produces NFL-ready talent. From Dwayne Haskins to Justin Fields and now Kyle McCord and Devin Brown in the present era, the Buckeyes are attracting QBs who want to develop in a pro-style system while competing for Big Ten titles and beyond. With the Big Ten expanding and the level of competition rising nationally, Day understands that the key to sustained success begins under center. That’s why landing a franchise quarterback in every recruiting cycle is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Sources close to the Buckeyes’ program have indicated that Day and his staff have already made multiple visits to the prospect’s high school, attended offseason camps where he’s competing, and initiated contact through permissible channels. Meanwhile, the quarterback in question has been invited to visit Columbus for unofficial visits, which typically include a campus tour, meetings with the staff, and a taste of what life could be like as the next face of the Buckeye offense.

The buzz around this recruitment is growing, as the quarterback is also being pursued heavily by SEC giants like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, as well as national brands like USC, Michigan, and Texas. It’s setting up to be one of the most closely watched quarterback recruitments in recent memory. Ohio State is not backing down from the competition. In fact, Day is embracing it. The belief within the program is that the Buckeyes offer an unmatched combination of tradition, development, facilities, and exposure that few can rival.

Another factor working in Ohio State’s favor is the track record Day has with developing quarterbacks. His reputation is well-known in NFL circles, and it carries significant weight with top-tier QB prospects and their families. In a recruiting landscape increasingly influenced by the idea of preparing for the NFL, having a coach who has helped mold first-round picks is a powerful recruiting tool. Quarterbacks want to go where they will be challenged, developed, and ultimately showcased, and Columbus has become a destination for exactly that.

Day’s emphasis on relationships is another cornerstone of his recruiting philosophy. In interviews and press conferences, he often talks about the importance of building trust and honesty with recruits and their families. That extends well beyond the football field. For high school quarterbacks who are often viewed as the face of their high school teams—and potentially of a college program—the opportunity to play for a coach who is hands-on and personally invested in their growth matters a great deal.

Recruiting a quarterback of this magnitude is never a one-man job, however. Day has a talented staff that includes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis. Kelly’s presence, in particular, adds another layer of appeal for recruits. A brilliant offensive mind and former NFL head coach, Kelly has already made his presence felt in Ohio State’s recruiting strategy since joining the Buckeyes. His experience, combined with Day’s vision, offers a dream coaching scenario for any high-level quarterback.

The Buckeyes are also leveraging their recent recruiting success and future potential to entice the 2028 quarterback. Ohio State’s 2024 and 2025 classes are already filled with blue-chip talent at wide receiver, offensive line, and other skill positions, making the program even more attractive for a young quarterback who wants to be surrounded by playmakers. Add in Ohio State’s rich tradition of winning and competing in the College Football Playoff, and the pitch becomes even more compelling.

At the same time, the Buckeyes understand they are playing a long game. The 2028 recruiting class is still in its early stages, and many of the top players haven’t even played their sophomore season of high school. But in an environment where relationships built early often pay off down the line, Ohio State is planting seeds now. This approach has worked for them before. By forming a bond early in the process, the Buckeyes can position themselves as a constant presence in the life of the recruit and his family.

While it’s still too early to predict where the quarterback will ultimately commit, the fact that Ohio State is prioritizing him this early speaks volumes. In a world where quarterback recruiting often defines a class, Ryan Day is signaling that this prospect could be the future face of the program. If the Buckeyes can eventually secure a commitment, it would send shockwaves through the recruiting world and further solidify Ohio State’s position as a quarterback destination.

Looking forward, Ohio State fans will have plenty of opportunities to track this recruitment as it progresses. Quarterback camps, 7-on-7 tournaments, and high school seasons will offer glimpses of the talent that has Day and his staff so intrigued. If the young quarterback continues on his current trajectory, he will likely rise to the No. 1 overall spot in the class, putting him in rarefied air.

It’s also worth noting how much the dynamics of college football recruiting have changed in recent years. With NIL collectives becoming a bigger influence in recruitment, especially for quarterbacks, programs are having to balance the traditional recruiting approach with newer financial incentives. Ohio State, like most major programs, is not ignoring this shift. The program has found ways to remain competitive in the NIL space while maintaining its culture and values, and it will likely play a role in this recruitment as well.

Ultimately, Ryan Day’s pursuit of the top 2028 quarterback is a reminder that the Buckeyes are not resting on their laurels. While many programs focus solely on the present or short-term future, Ohio State is building for long-term dominance. Day’s forward-thinking, detail-oriented style is evident in how he handles quarterback recruiting, and it reflects the broader goals of a program that expects to be in the championship conversation every year.

In an era of rapid change in college football, one thing remains constant: elite quarterback play is essential to winning at the highest level. Ryan Day knows it, and he’s making moves now to ensure Ohio State has its next great quarterback locked in long before Signing Day 2028. While fans may not know his name just yet, if Day gets his way, Buckeye Nation will be cheering for him in the Horseshoe sooner than they think.